Stone Sports Management LLC (“SSM”) announces Goalkeeper Evan Bush’s new three-year MLS contract with the Montreal Impact. The 32-year-old American born in Concord Township, Ohio continues as the Impact’s longest-tenured player, ensuring that he will dawn the Bleu-blanc-noir colors for over a decade. The Impact reward its 2018 Defensive MVP and Videotron Fans’ Player of the Seasonfor his stellar 2018 performances that included an MLS All-Time 2nd best individual save performance (14 Saves against LAFC on April 21th), 2nd most season Saves since 2009 at 132 and a -6.82 expected Goals Against. The MLS Audi Player Indexrecognized Bush as the top statistical performer during the 2018 MLS season.

“I would like to thank Colleen (my wife) and my kids for their continued support in my daily pursuit living out my dream to play professionally for an incredible club and passionate fan base. My elation would not feel the same nor would this be possible without their full support, and I hope they understand they are the priority in all my decisions. I would also like to thank my family, particularly my parents who have always supported me in every way possible. Finally, thank you to Justin and Stone Sports Management for the dedication to details and the pleasure to work together first hand and experience professionalism during this process.”

The Impact have secured its top Goalkeeper through the 2021 season, and the partnership that enters its ninth season seeks to expand on Bush’s incredible 75% Tournament Winning Percentage (MLS Playoffs, CONCACAF Champions League, Canadian Championship), having never lost in MLS Playoff Regulation.

“Evan signing a new contract with the Impact is excellent news for the future of this team,” said head coach Rémi Garde. “His excellent work daily with Joël Bats, alongside the group’s three other goalkeepers, allowed him to have a very good 2018 season. I’m happy to be able to count on him next season.”

Major League Soccer ("MLS") announced today that Montreal Impact Goalkeeper Evan Bush won the 2018 Audi Index Player Award. The Audi Player Index Award was created in 2015 and rates positive and negative actions of each player on the field depending on the position, tasks, and zones where each action takes place using Opta data. In total there are 88 different components and up to 2,000 registered and evaluated layer actions per match collected live each match.

This comes as no surprise for the 2018 Impact Defensive MVP, as Bush led MLS with 132 saves, which was the second most in the last 10 years. He also was just one of a few players who played all minutes during the MLS Regular Season and was ranked second in xGA (-6.82), shots faced (184) and PK Attempts against (8). His 10 shutouts ranked third, and his 71.7% Save Percentage was ranked sixth best within MLS. Evan Bush and Tim Melia were the only two players to claim a Top 15 ranking in 11 different key Goalkeeping categories. Bush was also recognized six times for the MLS Team of the Week (Starter or Bench) and had an incredible 14-save performance against LA FC which was one off the MLS All-Time record (Tony Meola's 15 saves in 1997).

Click on this link to watch Matt Doyle and Bobby Warshaw discuss Evan's award and analysis in a recent 3-0 win over Columbus Crew SC.

Impressively, not only did Kratz score the game-winner in the 78th minute off a Free Kick in a 4-1 win against the Montreal Impact but did one better a few yards further extra time (90+4). Kratz has taken four Free Kicks and has scored 3 out of 4, including the 2017 AT&T Goal of the Week (28). The one he "missed" drew a PK as an opponent in the wall blocked it with his arm.

Kratz had only been in the game for 4 minutes before telling Miguel Almiron, who had scored the first goal, he was going to take the kick. After the first goal, it was only right that he took the next one, and he did not disappoint. Now 3 for 4 on free-kicks for the season, I think it is safe to say Kratz is Atlanta’s go-to-guy on free-kicks. When asked about the goals, Kratz stated, “It helped all of us and helped me to be confident when the next free kick is coming up.” To see more of Kevin’s free-kicks in the future, here is the remaining schedule for Atlanta in the 2018 Spring season.

Local Atlanta TV Channel 11 stopped by Atlanta United FC training to find out how Kratz prepares his Free Kicks:

Stone Sports Management congratulates Toronto FC II’s Goalkeeper Caleb Patterson-Sewell on earning USL Team of the Week (7) honors for his strong play helping keep TFC's first clean sheet this season in the 0-0 draw against the New York Red Bulls II. It was Patterson-Sewell's first action against the club thattraded his MLS rights this past February.

On loan from Toronto FC, Patterson-Sewell played his second game against the youthful USL Club. Patterson-Sewell made two saves, including the USL Fans' Choice Save of the Week (7) for his diving game-saving penalty kick stop in the 60th minute on Stefano Bonomo (Watch by Clicking the above Tweet). This is Patterson-Sewell's second accolade Mr. Patterson-Sewell’s trophy case in just as many weeks after helping with Toronto FC's CONCACAF Champions League Final run. Congrats to Patterson-Sewell for his well deserved Team of the Week and Save of the Week!

Stone Sports Management LLC (“SSM”) announces Phoenix Rising FC’s (“PRFC”) signing of New Zealand International Defensive Midfielder James Musa to a 2-year deal ahead of the 2018 USL Season. The 25-year old UK Passport holder joins MLS Expansion candidate PRFC from Major League Soccer’s Sporting KC and coming off his most successful professional season and return to the New Zealand National Team.

Sporting KC promotedMusa in August 2017 from its affiliate Swope Park Rangers transitioned immediately to a 90-minute start against back to back MLS Western Conference Champions Seattle Sounders, leading Sporting KC in passes (78) and touches (84). Musa earned Swope Park MVP honorsand helped the team claim the 2017 Western Conference Championship and back to back USL Cup appearances. Musa is no stranger to PRFC having played against them on several occasions over the past seasons, including a104 passing (95.3% accuracy)performance.

“I am honored to have joined Phoenix Rising FC after watching closely the club’s evolution over the past few seasons on and off the field,” remarked Musa. “Phoenix Rising FC was always one of the more difficult opponents and hope that my experience and qualities will help the club earn trophies this season and beyond. The Club’s first-class ownership, training facilities, coaching staff, front office and roster quality as well as a chance to play in front of a packed stadium were all huge factors in my decision. I have one thing in mind this year and that is lifting the USL Final Trophy and cannot wait to join the group to get started on this new challenge.”

Musa joins PRFC whom recently announced Advantage Sports Union Ltd, led by Chairman Alex Zheng, as part of its already diverse ownership group, which many industry leaders believe is a significant piece for the club to land an MLS expansion franchise during the next expansion round. PRFC’s most identifiable player is Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba who also is part owner. It is expected Musa will complement an already impressive USL roster with MLS, International and USL All-League experience to compete against the USL’s elite franchises.

“James had no shortage of options and ultimately decided on Phoenix Rising FC after the club made a big impression with similar goals for 2018 and the club’s infrastructure and future to grow the sport locally, nationally and internationally,” says SSM’s President and USSF Licensed Intermediary Justin B. Stone. “I want to thank PRFC’s COO Bob Dulle and the entire Coaching Staff for their professionalism throughout the recruitment process and wish James and the club well for the upcoming season.”

Musa started his United States career with Saint Louis FC joining them on a 2-year contract in its inaugural season. The club’s first Captain was a consistent starter (starting 27 games each season) and made an off-season loan to Team Wellington.Musa made his professional debut with Australian A-league outfit Wellington Phoenix during the 2010-11 season and would later sign with Waitakere City helping them to the Finals and earned a U20 New Zealand World Cup selection.

After impressing during the 2012 London Olympics, Musasigned with Fulham FC andspent time on loan to Conference club Hereford. In the 2013-14 season, Musa returned to New Zealand with Team Wellington of the ASB Premiership (2013/14 season) and led the club to the Grand Finals and Oceania Champions League birth. He thensigned w/South Melbourne FC for 2-years and was a backline staple.

PRFC returns to Arizona this weekend after playing in the club’s first international friendly yesterday in Ecuador and begins USL play March 17 against Orange County SC before making its home debut March 24 versus OKC Energy FC.

Click HERE to watch Musa’s 2017 Sporting KC/ Swope Park Rangers Highlights and make sure to follow James on Instagram: musa41_. Congratulations to James Musa and make sure to follow him this season by clicking on Phoenix Rising FC’s schedule HERE.

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About Stone Sports Management, LLC

From developmental to Designated Players, Stone Sports Management, LLC is a Columbus, Ohio based boutique agency representing football/soccer players domestically and internationally. Led by President and USSF Licensed Intermediary Justin B. Stone, SSM has established itself as a leading North American agency since its 2008 inception by taking a cooperative approach to athlete representation, which provides increased opportunities for its clients. After gaining trust from clients representing over 75 different nationalities, Mr. Stone has negotiated more than 150 contracts for his clients with clubs based in Belgium, Canada, China, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United States, including more than 20 international clients to MLS/NASL/USL.

Stone Sports Management LLC (“SSM”) announces Toronto FC’s transfer and signing of former Jacksonville Armada Goalkeeper Caleb Patterson-Sewell to a 1-year deal with MLS options. The 30-year-old American-Australian makes his return to MLS with the 2017 MLS treble-winning side coached by Greg Vanney. Patterson-Sewell’s recent form over the last 18 months, keeping 17 cleans-sheets out of 38 games between the Armada and Portuguese side Farense, proved FourFourTwo’s prediction he would be one of seven NASL players to transfer to MLS for the 2018 season.

The 6’ 3” Patterson-Sewell joins Alex Bono and Clint Irwin as one of MLS’s most experienced goalkeeping corps and will be working with Toronto FC’s Goalkeeping Coach Jon Conway. With Toronto FC involved in the CONCACAF Champions League knock-out rounds that begin later this month, there will be no shortage of games between that competition, the MLS Regular Season and the Canadian Championship.

“I am delighted to be back in MLS and with Toronto FC’s first-class organization,” says Caleb Patterson-Sewell. “I paid close attention to the club’s MLS-record 2017 season, and I look forward to working with [Head Coach] Greg Vanney, [Goalkeeping Coach] Jon Conway and the rest of the coaching staff and teammates to contribute to achieving our goals for 2018 and beyond.”

2017 was Patterson-Sewell’s full season between the pipes in North America since the 2010 season with Miami FC. Patterson-Sewell rose to the occasion breaking the Armada’s clean-sheet record (10) and claimed NASL's third best GAA (1.11). The NASL honored his consistent play with 6 out of 32 Team of the Week Honors.

Patterson-Sewell’s first MLS stint occurred in 2008 with the New York Red Bulls having signed there following his professoinal debut season with the Cleveland City Stars in 2009. He would feature in a friendly against FC Barcelona where he had a standout performance against some of the world’s best and was on the bench for the 2008 MLS Cup Final. Having played at every North American level, Patterson-Sewell made the jump abroad signing with Portuguese club Atletico Club de Portugal in summer 2011. Patterson-Sewell would emerge as a Liga Honra Goalkeeper of the Year Finalist having played every minute and led league with the best Goals Against Average. His strong player in Portugal gained him promotion to the Portuguese Superliga where he played with Vitoria Setubal (2012-13) and Gil Vicente (2013-15) before a brief return to North America with Rayo OKC. After leaving due to Rayo’s dire financial situation, Patterson-Sewell signed with Farense SC until signing two years with the Armada in February 2017.

“Caleb deserves this moment to return to MLS after his first full season in goal here in North America since moving abroad in 2011,” reflected SSM’s President and USSF Licensed Intermediary Justin B. Stone. “Caleb’s leadership, experience and consistency will complement the other Toronto FC goalkeepers and looking forward to him joining TFC’s quest to build upon its 2017 treble-winning side within MLS and CONCACAF.”

Patterson-Sewell is a Nashville, Tennessee native and his decade-plus professional career helped him established CPS Soccer Academy, one of the region’s top developmental academies. This year’s annual camp takes place June 18-21st with special guest professional players and coaches. Visit www.cpssocceradacdemy.com for more information.

Click HERE to watch Caleb’s 2017 Jacksonville Armada Highlights and make sure to follow Caleb on Twitter: @CalebPatterson Congratulations to Caleb Patterson-Sewell and make sure to follow him this season in Toronto by clicking Toronto FC’s schedule HERE.

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About Stone Sports Management, LLC

From developmental to Designated Players, Stone Sports Management, LLC is a Columbus, Ohio based boutique agency representing football/soccer players domestically and internationally. Led by President and USSF Licensed Intermediary Justin B. Stone, SSM has established itself as a leading North American agency since its 2008 inception by taking a cooperative approach to athlete representation, which provides increased opportunities for its clients. After gaining trust from clients representing over 75 different nationalities, Mr. Stone has negotiated more than 150 contracts for his clients with clubs based in Belgium, Canada, China, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United States, including more than 20 international clients to MLS/NASL/USL.

“I am thrilled to be returning to the Tampa Bay Rowdies, one of the most historic US soccer clubs and a top-class organization with great ambitions,” says Mizell. “I am honored to be able to call this place my home again after developing further on and off the field, which is parallel to how the organization has developed since I had left so I am excited to play in front of Ralph's Mob and all the Rowdies' fans.”

“Cody has really matured into a great goalkeeper since we had him previously,” Rowdies Head Coach Stuart Campbell said. “His stats in Charlotte speak for themselves and he understands what the Rowdies mean to the Tampa Bay area. We’re going to have competition in training every day.”

Mizell’s development after his first Rowdies stint between 2014-15 is evident in his 63 games played as a starting Goalkeeper as well as his play leading to a loan stint with MLS’ Colorado Rapids in early 2017. Mizell appeared on the bench replacing an injured Tim Howard one match before Charlotte recalled their #1 Goalkeeper. In 2017, Mizell recorded 90 saves and 5 clean sheets in 32 League and Playoff appearances, won or nominated for USL Save of the Week seven times and earned Team of the Week twice and a June USL Player of the Month Finalist (17 saves, 0.79 GAA and a perfect 18-18 on GK Interception over 5 games).

Mizell replaces Rowdies’ legend Matt Pickens who played over 100 games and whom Mizell backed up during his initial Tampa Bay stint where Mizell used a European Release clause to sign abroad with Iceland club Knattspyrnufelagid Fram. He emerged as Fram’s starter and earned the league’s Best XI Award. Mizell would return to the States to sign with the Charlotte Independence where he showcased his skillsets: acrobatic, world-class saves, overall positive attitude and positioning while controlling the game with his feet out of the back.

“Cody and I agreed to work together shortly after his stellar 2017 USL campaign and there was no shortage of options for him within North America,” reflected SSM’s President and USSF Licensed Intermediary Justin B. Stone. “The Rowdies Goalkeeper opening was one of the more sought roster spots, and I look forward to Cody wearing green and yellow again and to help the club build upon its inaugural USL campaign. I wish him and the club success in 2018 and beyond.”

“We set a modern-era club record in 2017, posting 14 clean sheets, but we know we can’t rest on what we accomplished. Cody will be a great addition to this club as we look to build on 2017’s success,” said Rowdies Chairman & CEO Bill Edwards.

“A special thanks to Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards, Vice President Lee Cohen, Head Coach Stuart Campbell and Goalkeeper Coach Stuart Dobson for their trust bringing me into the organization. I look forward to working with them, my new teammates and staff to earn their respect, continued Mizell.” “St. Pete and the Tampa Bay area has had a special place in my heart, and I will do all I can to help bring the club, its fans and community championships they deserve.”

From developmental to Designated Players, Stone Sports Management, LLC is a Columbus, Ohio based boutique agency representing football/soccer players domestically and internationally. Led by President and USSF Licensed Intermediary Justin B. Stone, SSM has established itself as a leading North American agency since its 2008 inception by taking a cooperative approach to athlete representation, which provides increased opportunities for its clients. After gaining trust from clients representing over 75 different nationalities, Mr. Stone has negotiated more than 150 contracts for his clients with clubs based in Belgium, Canada, China, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United States, including more than 20 international clients to MLS/NASL/USL.

Not only did Mason excel in NASL league play but also had strong performances in the US Open Cup against Atlanta United, Orlando City SC and FC Cincinnati. "This is a great honor for Mason to be recognized as the league's best left footed central defender and caps off his consistent, strong play over the last four years in NASL," reflected SSM's President and USSF Licensed Intermediary Justin B. Stone. "Miami FC set new NASL records playing an attractive playing style, and Mason's abilities helped the team accomplish most of its goals in 2017."

Congrats once again to Mason for his NASL Best XI selection and championships this season! Enjoy the montage NASL produced for its NASL Best XI (Mason appears at 0:48)!